As an indie screenwriter, you know the power of a tight deadline—it can spark creativity and force you to focus. Writing a short film over a weekend might sound intimidating, but with the right strategy, it’s achievable and rewarding. Whether you’re looking to build your portfolio, explore a compelling idea, or submit to programs like the Austin Film Meet’s Short Film Challenge, this guide will help you craft a script that stands out.
Why Write a Short Film in a Weekend?
Short films are a fantastic way to hone your storytelling skills and showcase your talent. They’re certainly more affordable to produce than longer form content and ideal for submission to festivals, contests, or film production initiatives. Programs like the Austin Film Meet’s Short Film Challenge offer incredible opportunities for screenwriters to get their work noticed—and even produced.
If you need ongoing motivation, Austin Film Meet also hosts monthly prompted writing sessions where writers can practice crafting stories under guided prompts. These sessions are a great way to refine your skills and develop new ideas. You can find these events listed on their events page.
Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Short Film in Two Days
Day 1: Prep and Outline
- Start with an Idea
- Choose a concept that’s simple yet impactful.
- If it helps, use a writing prompt like one from our Super Simple Short Film Screenwriting Prompts Just to Get You Started or our Short Film Writing Prompts with Clear, Objective, Conflict and Resolution or even 25 Short Film Prompts Based on Political Harmony.
- Think of a premise that can be explored in 5–10 minutes of screen time, such as:
- A character facing a life-changing decision.
- A moment of unexpected connection or conflict.
- A mystery or secret revealed in a single location.
- Define the Core Elements
- Theme: What’s the emotional or intellectual takeaway?
- Conflict: What’s driving the story? Every great story has a problem to solve.
- Characters: Stick to 1–3 characters to keep it manageable.
- Setting: Limit yourself to one or two locations for simplicity.
- Outline Your Story
Use a three-act structure for clarity:- Act 1 (Setup): Introduce the characters, setting, and conflict. (1–2 pages)
- Act 2 (Development): Deepen the conflict and create obstacles. (3–5 pages)
- Act 3 (Resolution): Conclude with a satisfying (or thought-provoking) ending. (1–2 pages)
Day 2: Draft Your Script
- Open With Impact
- Start with a compelling image or moment that hooks the audience.
- Show, don’t tell: focus on visual and auditory elements to draw viewers in.
- Focus on Dialogue
- Keep conversations short and purposeful. Dialogue should:
- Reveal character traits.
- Advance the plot.
- Create tension or add depth to relationships.
- Keep conversations short and purposeful. Dialogue should:
- Write Concisely
- Aim for 5–10 pages (1 page = approximately 1 minute of screen time).
- Every word, action, and scene should serve the story.
- Use Visual Storytelling
- Avoid heavy exposition. Let actions and visuals do the heavy lifting.
- Example: Instead of saying, “She’s nervous,” show her pacing or fiddling with an object.
- End Strong
- Finish with a memorable moment or emotional punch. This could be a twist, a revelation, or a visually striking conclusion.
Tips for Success
- Set Realistic Goals
- Your goal is to finish a draft, not perfection. Revision comes later.
- Use Focused Writing Sessions
- Try the Pomodoro Technique: 25 minutes of writing, followed by a 5-minute break.
- Stay Simple
- Resist the urge to overcomplicate. A single strong idea is better than a muddled story with too many elements.
- Get Feedback
- Share your draft with a trusted friend or fellow writer for quick notes. A fresh perspective can be invaluable. We suggest submitting your screenplay to Austin Film Meet’s Screenplay Read & Review events during which selected screenplays are read aloud followed by an in-depth feedback discussion. It’s an excellent way to get helpful, constructive critique on your writing. You can find these events listed on our events page.
- Consider Submission Opportunities
- Programs like the Austin Film Meet’s Short Film Challenge are designed to help scripts find their way to production. Use the challenge as motivation to craft your best work!
What’s Next?
Once your script is complete, take a break and come back to it later with fresh eyes for revisions. When you’re ready, consider submitting it to contests, festivals, or initiatives like the Austin Film Meet’s Short Film Challenge. This program offers a fantastic opportunity to have your work considered for production, opening doors to new collaborations and recognition.
If you’re looking for ongoing support and inspiration, check out the monthly prompted writing sessions hosted by Austin Film Meet. These events provide a collaborative environment to test your skills, brainstorm, and meet fellow writers. Visit their events page to learn more and sign up.
So, grab your notebook, carve out your weekend, and get started! A powerful short film is just a few pages away.
